It’s not just our imaginations: obesity in America is on the rise, and with it, chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. But why are Americans gaining weight when public health experts increasingly agree we’re not consciously choosing to overeat?

Melissa is the office manager at a busy doctor’s office. She is short in stature and has been severely obese for years. Her work is sedentary and very stressful, so she doesn’t get much exercise. She’s gone through a number of significant family stressors over the past several years that adversely influenced her health. Melissa has multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been treated for it with various medications.

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